Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2, with Rodrigo Mora scoring the decisive goals late in a match that Gasperini's side had made hard work. Cagliari took the lead from a penalty awarded after a VAR check, when Pisilli's arm was judged to have been away from his body in the area; Nzola converted it. Roma responded immediately: Lulli headed an equaliser from a fine cross by Molina, then turned the ball to Pisilli, who put Roma ahead. Pisilli, who has just signed a contract extension until 2031, scored again through his ability to make runs into the area.
The result hid a poor performance. Gasperini made several changes, resting Wesley and Malen and giving Castro the central attacking role. Svilar, Koné and Dybala were missing, while Hermoso and Balerdi were on the bench with less than full fitness. Lulli and Molina played wide, and Koulierakis started in defence. Pisacane's Cagliari, coming off two consecutive defeats, were physical, quick and aggressive, and caused problems in one-on-one duels: Nzola held off Ndicka, and Fadera was a constant threat to Mancini. Gollini had to produce one of his best performances of the season to keep Roma in the game.
Roma made many elementary errors in possession, and their build-up was disjointed. Pisilli struggled to convince in the double-pivot role, particularly when asked to provide cover and order. Castro was often out of the game, had little impact and lacked the aggression needed in the rare chances he had in the box. Cristante, deployed on the trequartista role, seemed to lack energy, with a heavy stride and slow ideas; the article suggested he was paying for an early return from injury and an intensive run of games. In the second half Gasperini introduced Mora and Malen around the ten-minute mark, but Mora started on the right and Soulé on the left, a configuration that limited both players. Soulé is most effective starting on the right and cutting inside onto his left foot, while Mora prefers the centre-left to drift onto his right. Only when Gasperini switched them back, with Mati on the right and Mora on the left, did the attack improve.
Cagliari kept pressing and at 81' Daniel Maldini scored the equaliser for 2-2, silencing the Olimpico. Roma then responded through individual quality. Ghilardi, another substitute, produced a fine run down the right and delivered a perfect cross, and Rodrigo Mora, the smallest player on the pitch, rose to head home the 3-2. Two minutes later Mora combined with Malen and provided the pass for the final 4-2.
The article stressed that the final score should not disguise the fatigue Roma showed and the absence of Manu Koné, whose physical dominance, ball recovery and progressive running in midfield were missed. Nobody among his replacements has the same characteristics. With Dybala absent, Rodrigo Mora's contribution became even more important; the Portuguese is very young and must still develop consistency, but he showed how decisive he can be when used in the right conditions. The author concluded that Roma's character is a major asset, but that winning while playing badly cannot be relied upon, and that Gasperini must restore sharpness and solidity in the coming weeks.
Story Coverage2 sources on this story
Roma came from behind to beat Cagliari 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico. Nzola gave Cagliari the lead from a penalty, which GialloRossi.net says followed a VAR check on Pisilli's arm, while Forza Roma describes a rash arm. The outlets differ on how Roma replied. GialloRossi.net credits Lulli with a headed equaliser from Molina's cross and Pisilli with the go-ahead goal, and Repubblica and Il Messaggero also name Lulli and Pisilli as the scorers. Forza Roma says Pisilli equalised and then scored again. GialloRossi.net reports that Daniel Maldini levelled at 2-2 in the 81st minute before Roma regained the lead.
The late winners were scored by Rodrigo Mora and Donyell Malen. GialloRossi.net says Mora headed the third goal and then set up Malen for the fourth, while Forza Roma says Malen finished a chance from close range. Il Messaggero says the win moves Gasperini's side within four points of league leaders Lazio. GialloRossi.net describes a poor performance overall, with Gasperini resting Wesley and Malen early, Koné and Dybala absent, and Cristante and Castro struggling. It also praises Gollini, who Forza Roma says made key saves.
The outlets rate the players differently. Il Messaggero gives Mora 7.5, Malen 6.5, Soulé 7 and Ghilardi 7. Forza Roma gives Mora and Malen 7 each, Soulé 6.5 and Ghilardi 6.5, and rates Mancini 5 for the space Cagliari exploited on his flank.
AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.
